How to get employment with a felony

Earlier I read a question from a man with a felony trying to find employment. I hope you see this comment. First of all never lie on your application, it will ALWAYS come back to haunt you. Regardless of what you were convicted of or the circumstances, lying is an automatic termination. So hopefully this information will prove to be helpful. I understand you are from Ohio. There is a program in Chicago called The Safer Foundation. This program is committed to helping ex-offenders gain employment through education, training, and job leads. The employers they send you to will already know you have a criminal history, therefore, they are interested in your skills and ability to market yourself. The Safer Foundation has offices in other states also. Contact the office in Chicago Illinois and they will give you all the information you need.

Ok all. I'm a multiple felon and have been working without a problem. Experience, work ethic, and a positive attitude (a proven track record). You can be a felon and still be a good person and there are people out there that know that. If you know that you are good and could be an asset to any establishment then the rest will fall in place but you need to hit the bricks cause its not going to fall in your lap on its own.

Dean in Chicago, Illinois said: Earlier I read a question from a man with a felony trying to find employment. I hope you see this comment. First of all never lie on your application, it will ALWAYS come back to haunt you. Regardless of what you were convicted of or the circumstances, lying is an automatic termination. So hopefully this information will prove to be helpful. I understand you are from Ohio. There is a program in Chicago called The Safer Foundation. This program is committed to helping ex-offenders gain employment through education, training, and job leads. The employers they send you to will already know you have a criminal history, therefore, they are interested in your skills and ability to market yourself. The Safer Foundation has offices in other states also. Contact the office in Chicago Illinois and they will give you all the information you need.

What a nightmare being a felon is, all that is available ever is the low-level fast-food world and it's enough to make you want to give up. You can't support a family on the wages you get with a record and employers here are judgmental and suspicious , you are easily replaced by some 20-year old with no voice of dissent or responsibilities. Prison ruined my life...and FOR A D.U.I.????

natasha in Orlando, Florida said: I live in Orlando and I am having a lot of difficulty finding work. I am a bright person but I have made some mistakes involving drugs. The really sad thing is I am 31 , this is my 4th felony and i have 5 children to support. I am rehabilitated but cannot find work to stay positive and on the right track. Does anyone out there know of any resources in Orlando to help with this issue?

linda hammond in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas said: boy did that not print right anyway i have filled out 20 or so apps. with the truth! NO JOB YET YET BEING THE OPPERTIVE WORD!
I'm praying for a call sonn. I sure will give this a try.tks

I am a 47 year old woman who has a couple felonies on her record. I have been wondering why I haven't been hired yet after I have been applying with no sucess. I saw on the job search about someone like me who has a felony also but she has been through The safe foundation and still can't get hired!! What do people as ourselves do now???Please contact me as I am rehabilatated needing a chance somewhere,somehow!!!

I am a 47 yearold woman that has a felony. I was reading about a woman like myself that went through The Safe Foundation . Still having no luck she has no job either!! What can we do after rehabilitating ouselves with children we need to take care of !!!

I am a female, convicted of a felony approximately 15 years ago. I went to the Safer Foundation. They are of absolutely no help. They will either help you find a low-paying job that exploits ex-felons or they will waste a lote of your time and provide no help at all. I would no recommend them at all.

I have been convicted of eight felonies, and served time in prison. I got out of prison in 2007 and I am having a hard time finding and keeping a job because of my past.People just do not hire felons anymore.

Dean in Chicago, Illinois said: Earlier I read a question from a man with a felony trying to find employment . I hope you see this comment. First of all never lie on your application, it will ALWAYS come back to haunt you. Regardless of what you were convicted of or the circumstances, lying is an automatic termination. So hopefully this information will prove to be helpful. I understand you are from Ohio. There is a program in Chicago called The Safer Foundation. This program is committed to helping ex-offenders gain employment through education, training, and job leads. The employers they send you to will already know you have a criminal history, therefore, they are interested in your skills and ability to market yourself. The Safer Foundation has offices in other states also. Contact the office in Chicago Illinois and they will give you all the information you need.

I have several felony charges also unable to find work. I have place so many applications I am 57 years old. I wish that employers would take some consideration that people do change their old life style.

I have 1 felony conviction dating back to 2000 I have been unemployed for 1yr!!!! I really need to find a job & I have been denied a few opportunities due to my conviction even though i've been honest in letting companies know about my conviction. I have contacted the Safer Foundation here in Chicago & they never helped me find a job & i've left messages for Cynthia Folks who never return my calls!!! The Safer Foundation in my opinion is no help. If there is anyone with any employment information please contact me.

Dean in Chicago, Illinois said: Earlier I read a question from a man with a felony trying to find employment. I hope you see this comment. First of all never lie on your application, it will ALWAYS come back to haunt you. Regardless of what you were convicted of or the circumstances, lying is an automatic termination. So hopefully this information will prove to be helpful. I understand you are from Ohio. There is a program in Chicago called The Safer Foundation. This program is committed to helping ex-offenders gain employment through education, training, and job leads. The employers they send you to will already know you have a criminal history, therefore, they are interested in your skills and ability to market yourself. The Safer Foundation has offices in other states also. Contact the office in Chicago Illinois and they will give you all the information you need.

i too have a felony and can only find jobs that dont pay enough i live in mobile ala. if there is anyone who knows what i can do here or if there is any program to help me, i would appreciate it.

moralesbea said: i too have a felony and can only find jobs that dont pay enough i live in mobile ala. if there is anyone who knows what i can do here or if there is any program to help me, i would appreciate it, it has been 10 years since my felony and i talked to the d.a here in alabama and she said in november i can have the felony taken off my record where employers cant see it, but thats still 4 more months i need a job now.my licence where suspendid and i keep getting tickets because i am caught driving around looking for a job.nobody cares anymore everyone is only thinking about there own self, those of us who do have felonies and did our time and tring to do better ,cant because nobody wants to give us a chance.

It's really something. If you are a felon , and you've done your time , no matter what , its really hard to get a job out there espscially now in this terrible economy. I am a chef, and in South Florida, where job loss has been really hard hit, and there aren't any jobs for those that need one and even less for those that are felons or ex-cons. I'm 61 in November and I went to a job Fair where I met a lot of Vietnam vets ( I am one also) that are out of jobs and having a hard time getting employment . Now add age plus being an ex-con together plus being a vet and what do you have ... a lot more unemployment than meets the eye.
to get back to the point... if you are an ex-con and depending on what your charges are its really hard to land most jobs that have to do with casinos,hospitals, nursing homes, tracks,state and a lot of government jobs, and many more that i've not listed and many I don't know about you can gaurentee that. Even if you've paid your debt to society according to many laws you (the felon) have to keep paying for your crime until you're either dead or back in the slammer for something else or more serious. Its really bad out there but if you keep plugging at it , you will eventually find something. Its not all bad ,its just not great out there. The biggest thing I've found is that IF YOU'RE NOT HONEST THEN YOU WILL NOT GET A JOB OR A BETTER JOB BECAUSE THAT DISHONESTY WILL FOLLOW YOU WHERE-EVER YOU GO.Well, thats all I've got for you... keep plugging at it and you'll find something maybe not what you want but one thing I know , what ever you are doing is something for now and what you want is something you may be able to get later... its easier to find a new job working a job (any job) than it is to find a new job without having a working job already.

Dean in Chicago, Illinois said: Earlier I read a question from a man with a felony trying to find employment. I hope you see this comment. First of all never lie on your application, it will ALWAYS come back to haunt you. Regardless of what you were convicted of or the circumstances, lying is an automatic termination. So hopefully this information will prove to be helpful. I understand you are from Ohio. There is a program in Chicago called The Safer Foundation. This program is committed to helping ex-offenders gain employment through education, training, and job leads. The employers they send you to will already know you have a criminal history, therefore, they are interested in your skills and ability to market yourself. The Safer Foundation has offices in other states also. Contact the office in Chicago Illinois and they will give you all the information you need.

I currently live in Kentucky. I was convicted of a felony in July of 2007. Since then I have went to 9 months of rehab and currently in drugcourt, have 9 months left of it. Throughout this time I have had no relapses or slips. I can find jobs untill my background check comes back. I dont lie about my conviction, so what seems to be the problem. Do they not read the application fully to see I have marked felon? Where can I get a job in Kentucky?

Dean in Chicago, Illinois said: Earlier I read a question from a man with a felony trying to find employment. I hope you see this comment. First of all never lie on your application, it will ALWAYS come back to haunt you. Regardless of what you were convicted of or the circumstances, lying is an automatic termination. So hopefully this information will prove to be helpful. I understand you are from Ohio. There is a program in Chicago called The Safer Foundation. This program is committed to helping ex-offenders gain employment through education, training, and job leads. The employers they send you to will already know you have a criminal history, therefore, they are interested in your skills and ability to market yourself. The Safer Foundation has offices in other states also. Contact the office in Chicago Illinois and they will give you all the information you need.

WELL THANKS FOR THE INFO, I HOPE THAT THERES ONE IN VEGAS NV.THE SAFER FOUNDATION HOPEFULLY WILL HELP ME BEING THAT IVE BEEN LOOKING FOR OVER A YEAR. THANKS AGAIN

Speaking as an employer, I can tell you there are some offenses we can overlook depending upon the scope of the position. However, it is best to be honest at the job offer phase - not the initial interview phase. Let me fall in love with you, offer you the job, and then I'll go to bat to hire you. That said, if I give you an application form to complete, you need to be honest and provide additional information if it is relevant to your cause. For example, if you had a DUI or child abuse felony convictions, that would not matter if you were answering phones or doing office work. I know you won't be driving any of our company vehicles, though.

We hired someone whom we later discovered (after a background check) has multiple felonies spanning 25 years. This person knew we were doing a fingerprint check and was 'shocked' when released from employment. On the surface, illegal weapons charges and fraud may not seem to be the kind of thing that would exclude someone from a job with children. However, this person would have had access to the social security numbers, birth certificates and family history of the children we serve. As well, you can't have someone packing on the property when kids are around.

Dean in Chicago, Illinois said: Earlier I read a question from a man with a felony trying to find employment . I hope you see this comment. HERE IN TEXAS WE HAVE A PROGRAM CALLED PROJECT RIO AT THE UNEMPLOYMENT OFFICE. IT IS DESIGNED ESPECIALLY FOR PEOPLE LIKE US. FRESH OUT OF PRISON, FELONIES AND EVEN MISDEMEANORS. THEY HELP PLACE YOU IN JOBS, MAKE RESUMES AND TRAINING CLASSES. MAYBE THEY HAVE THIS IN YOUR AREA.GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS YOUR PATH.

stevenmarsh58@yahoo.com in Kalamazoo, Michigan said: I have been looking for work for almost one year now and have been honest evertime i fill out an application i am always open and honest but yet not found a job yet

HAVE YOU CHECKED W/ YOUR LOCAL EMPLOYMENT OFFICE? iF NOT ASK FOR PROJECT RIO, IT IS DESIGNED TO HELP US. I HAVE 2 FELONIES, DRUGS & FORGERY. KEEP THE FAITH. MAYBE TRY A JOB DOING SOMETYPE OF WORK AT HOME.

cindy k. in Amarillo, Texas said: HAVE YOU CHECKED W/ YOUR LOCAL EMPLOYMENT OFFICE? iF NOT ASK FOR PROJECT RIO, IT IS DESIGNED TO HELP US. I HAVE 2 FELONIES, DRUGS & FORGERY. KEEP THE FAITH. MAYBE TRY A JOB DOING SOMETYPE OF WORK AT HOME.

I don't agree with being honest about felony convictions on my resume. I am someone who have admitted my felony conviction well over two years and was not even called for an interview, until I omitted my convictions. Being honest in this society, you'll be locked-up, left behind or left for dead, emphasis added. I am not someone who is in denial of what I see in society.

I also dont agree with being honest on the applications.I have told the the truth on all , and yet..no call back.I started to fill them out lying and at least i get responses.so to those who think honesty is the best policy..you r wrong.

I guess maybe it might no be in some crcumstances. Some of the time I will put "will discuss in person." I was only out of work 10 days, maybe I'm the lucky one. I also know that I keep in close contact w/ God and asking for Him to help me find the job that I'm suppose to have. Good luck in your searches.

natasha in Orlando, Florida said: I live in Orlando and I am having a lot of difficulty finding work. I am a bright person but I have made some mistakes involving drugs. The really sad thing is I am 31 , this is my 4th felony and i have 5 children to support. I am rehabilitated but cannot find work to stay positive and on the right track. Does anyone out there know of any resources in Orlando to help with this issue?

greek in Clearwater, Florida said: Ok all. I'm a multiple felon and have been working without a problem. Experience, work ethic, and a positive attitude (a proven track record). You can be a felon and still be a good person and there are people out there that know that. If you know that you are good and could be an asset to any establishment then the rest will fall in place but you need to hit the bricks cause its not going to fall in your lap on its own.

I truly believe that anyone who really wants a job needs to do some major footwork and get out the cuz nothing in life is free.

An Employer in Chicago, Illinois said: Speaking as an employer, I can tell you there are some offenses we can overlook depending upon the scope of the position. However, it is best to be honest at the job offer phase - not the initial interview phase. Let me fall in love with you, offer you the job, and then I'll go to bat to hire you. That said, if I give you an application form to complete, you need to be honest and provide additional information if it is relevant to your cause. For example, if you had a DUI or child abuse felony convictions, that would not matter if you were answering phones or doing office work. I know you won't be driving any of our company vehicles, though.

We hired someone whom we later discovered (after a background check) has multiple felonies spanning 25 years. This person knew we were doing a fingerprint check and was 'shocked' when released from employment. On the surface, illegal weapons charges and fraud may not seem to be the kind of thing that would exclude someone from a job with children. However, this person would have had access to the social security numbers, birth certificates and family history of the children we serve. As well, you can't have someone packing on the property when kids are around.

An employer in Chicago - in regards to the phase when they offer a position I have one dui and one driving while suspended not a misdemeanor in my state just a traffic violation do I need to mention that? Appreciate your feedback.

Well, here's my recent update. I have truly been blessed by God. Through honest, a good program of recovery, and good work ethics, I have been truly blessed w/ the job of my dreams. I am now an Executive Chef of a hotel,one of which is part of a large chain. I am truly sorr for those who are less fortunate than I am. May God be w/ you and help you find what you deserve.I have a lot of gratitude & praise for the God of my understanding for the blessings I have received.

Unemployed In Chicago in Chicago, Illinois said: I have 1 felony conviction dating back to 2000 I have been unemployed for 1yr!!!! I really need to find a job & I have been denied a few opportunities due to my conviction even though i've been honest in letting companies know about my conviction. I have contacted the Safer Foundation here in Chicago & they never helped me find a job & i've left messages for Cynthia Folks who never return my calls!!! The Safer Foundation in my opinion is no help. If there is anyone with any employment information please contact me.

...sounds to me like safer foundation is a bunch of crap; i'm an ex-felon myself. did a year for possesion of k.porn on internet 10 yrs. ago. only jobs i can find are ones that don't pay, i guess because of our pasts, it gives the self righteous excuses to exployt us, "if" they get the chance...but then, because of our past; they have givin themselves the authority to do whatever they want to us. it's our fault!? for as far as i am concerned, this country needs an enima in a big way! if jesus was here today, when he said,"let he who is without sin cast the first stone"; he'd be stoned too!!5A7

I guess that some of these people live in glass houses protected by steel. I wonder how many of them have driven drunk, or used socially & just not been caught. Our mistake was that we did get caught. I hjave 2 felonies. I guess God has truly blessed me w/ the job I have. I work for a major hotel chain as an Executive Chef in te hotel owned restraunt. I have a felony for possession and one for forgery. I am so grateful for the God I have in my life.

Dean in Chicago, Illinois said: Earlier I read a question from a man with a felony trying to find employment. I hope you see this comment. First of all never lie on your application, it will ALWAYS come back to haunt you. Regardless of what you were convicted of or the circumstances, lying is an automatic termination. So hopefully this information will prove to be helpful. I understand you are from Ohio. There is a program in Chicago called The Safer Foundation. This program is committed to helping ex-offenders gain employment through education, training, and job leads. The employers they send you to will already know you have a criminal history, therefore, they are interested in your skills and ability to market yourself. The Safer Foundation has offices in other states also. Contact the office in Chicago Illinois and they will give you all the information you need.

I live in a shi tty state. I committed a violent offense. No amount of truth in the world would get me a job. I have to sell drugs to survive but now I have a legal company.

BBrandeeh@aol.com in Inkster, Michigan said: I this should be broken down i levels becuse some are not so bad it all should depend on what you did after all they got to eat and pay bills to thats were all the ssi is going and the medical this country is in a big mess. it need help bad.

i think that after 5 years or so and no repeat crimes the felony should be taken off of there employment record. The courts want to arrest people for the simpliest things to get money for there state. In return there a ruining many many lives. Something needs to be done. This generation is our future and what future are we giving them.

Ah,finally one I can agree with.Yes, depending on the crime, I think it should be squashed off job references. Although here in Texas, at certain jobs even misdemeanors can go back to the age of 18yrs. I applied @ a nursing/ retirement center and because I have a disorderly conduct @ age 18 I was not hire338able due to violent crime history. That sucks too.I feel that some crimes are not as bad as others. In God's eyes all sins are equal. Hell, our president isn't even American., so who is he to judge us and screw our country up like he has???

cindy k. in Amarillo, Texas said: Be grateful at least you have a fricken job. Look at how many felons don't. God you are self-centered.

cindy... I noticed from a post that you had an Exec. Chef job what happened to that. I have a suggestion for you: Maybe instead of one job you should look for and work many jobs. In the mid 2000's I worked for 8 different employers on an "On-Call" basis and made a fairly decent living doing that. What this did was make it so that I could keep my bad attitude in check and ,pick and choose when I could work and wanted to work.If you have the skills and enthusiasium without the bad attitude,then you will probably always have work.Even where you live ,season is probably starting up. Apply to hotels, catering companies, convention centers, or whatever in your area that provides food and beverage services.You might have to travel but if you keep plugging away something WILL come along. By the way, don't lie on an app because thats a reason for dismissal, and don't fake your skills because what you don't know will show up right away in whatever you are assigned to do .If you take the attitude that life is like a fan: if you stand in back of it ,it sucks; if you stand in front of it , it blows and if you stand in the middle of it , it just screws you up,: then you'll never have employment. I have been clean for about 15 years now and other than having a felony , I am almost 62, still working occasionally, at what I love to do, cooking. You gotta love what you do in order to succeed.
And yes there are places that constantly turn down my apps such as hospitals and healthcarefacilities, Gambling establishments such a tracks, casinos, and stadiums, but I know in my heart that there is somewhere that will still give me a chance ,and I will go on from there. Just keep plugging and don't give up hope.